Instagram is a social media platform that has taken the world by storm. With over 1 billion monthly active users, it is one of the most popular photo and video-sharing platforms. Hashtags are an essential part of the Instagram experience. Hashtags help to reach more views on Instagram.
In this blog, we will discuss the following:
- What are hashtags?
- Why are hashtags important in marketing?
- 10 popular hashtags on Instagram
- Types of hashtags
- Conclusion
What are hashtags?
Instagram hashtags are keywords or phrases preceded by the # symbol. Hashtags allow users to categorize and discover content on the platform. When you add a hashtag to your post, it becomes clickable. You can use hashtags to search content on Instagram. Hashtags increase content visibility. Using relevant hashtags can help your posts reach a wider audience. Hashtags can help to get new Instagram followers to your account. It’s important to note that Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post. However, using too many hashtags, or using irrelevant hashtags, can negatively impact your posts.
Why are hashtags important in marketing?
Hashtags are essential in Instagram marketing due to these reasons:
Discovering New Content:
Hashtags allow users to discover new content they might not have found otherwise. Moreover, by clicking on a hashtag, users can see all the posts that have used that same hashtag. This can be especially useful for exploring specific topics or interests.
Improving Visibility:
Hashtags also play an essential role in improving the visibility of your posts. When you use a hashtag, your post is added to a pool of other posts with the same hashtag. This increases the chances of your post appearing in their feeds. Additionally, using relevant hashtags can also help your post appear in the top posts section of a hashtag.
Building a Community:
Hashtags can also help you build a community on Instagram. Using relevant hashtags, you can connect with other users who share similar interests and engage with their content. This can help you grow your following and build relationships with other users on the platform. Furthermore, you can also participate in hashtag challenges or events. They can help you connect with even more users and build brand awareness.
Increasing Engagement
In addition to improving visibility, hashtags can also help increase your engagement. When you use relevant hashtags, you are more likely to reach users interested in your content. It can lead to more likes, comments, and shares. Additionally, users are more likely to see and engage with your content when it is included in a larger pool of posts.
10 popular hashtags for Instagram
Here are 10 popular Instagram hashtags and their purposes:
#love
#instagood
#photooftheday
#ThrowbackThursday (#TBT)
#FollowFriday (#FF)
#Foodie
#Fitness
#Selfie
#Nature
#Travel
#OOTD (Outfit of the Day)
#Pet
#Lifestyle
#happy
#beautiful
#happy
#love is an essential and popular hashtag. It has more than 1 billion posts. You can use this hashtag to show or display your love for anything.
#instagood has 704 million potential posts. It is a general-purpose hashtag which shows that you are posting Instagram content.
#photooftheday is a critical hashtag with 478 million posts. It is a must-used hashtag if you are uploading photos on Instagram.
#beautiful is a common purpose hashtag to praise beauty. It has 445 million posts.
#happy is an important hashtag. If you are delighted, then use this hashtag. It has more than 413 million posts.
#ThrowbackThursday (#TBT) – Used to share old photos or memories on Thursday. According to a report, #tbt is 100% used by the audience on Instagram.
#FollowFriday (#FF) – Used to suggest users follow on Fridays.
#Foodie – Used to share food-related photos and experiences.
#Fitness – Used to share fitness-related photos, workouts, and health tips. This hashtag has been used 395.8M times.
#Selfie – Used to share self-portraits. It has been used 422.6M times.
#Nature – Used to share photos of natural landscapes and wildlife.
#Travel – Used to share travel photos and experiences.
#OOTD (Outfit of the Day) – Used to share daily fashion choices and style inspiration. It is a crucial hashtag with 308.2M users.
#Pet – Used to share photos of pets. This hashtag has more than 1 million posts.
#Lifestyle – Used to share photos and experiences that showcase one’s lifestyle. This fitness-related hashtag has 180 million posts.
Hashtags make it easier for users to find and engage with content that interests them and helps increase posts’ visibility.
Types of Hashtags
Hashtags are a critical component of Instagram marketing, and they help users discover and engage with content. This blog post will explore the best hashtags for growing your reach and engagement on the platform.
Hashtags are of different types. More importantly, types of hashtags are related to the content you are posting. Relevant hashtags can make your post go viral. Therefore, you must know about the types of hashtags.
Here are the types of hashtags:
- Niche-Specific Hashtags
- Popular Hashtags
- Location-Based Hashtags
- Brand-Specific Hashtags
- Trending Hashtags
Niche-Specific Hashtags
Using hashtags specific to your industry or niche can help you connect with users. They help you to find the audience which is interested in your content. For example, a fashion brand might use hashtags like #fashionista, #styleinspo, or #ootd (outfit of the day).
Popular Hashtags
Incorporating popular hashtags like #love, #instagood, and #photooftheday can help you reach a larger audience on the platform. While these hashtags may be overused, they are still widely searched. They increase the chances of your content appearing in front of new eyes.
Location-Based Hashtags
Using location-based hashtags can help you reach local customers if your business has a physical location. For example, if your coffee shop is located in New York, use hashtags like #NYCcoffee, #NYCcafes, or #NYfoodie.
Brand-Specific Hashtags
Creating your brand-specific hashtag can help you build brand recognition. Encourage your customers and fans to use your hashtag when they post about your brand, products, or services.
Trending Hashtags
Keeping an eye on what’s trending can help you stay relevant and engage with your audience. Participating in popular discussions using hashtags such as #NationalCoffeeDay or #WorldKindnessDay can help you reach a wider audience.
Conclusion: Incorporating the right mix of hashtags into your Instagram strategy can help you reach a wider audience and grow your following. Mix niche-specific hashtags with popular, location-based, brand-specific, and trending hashtags to maximize your reach and engagement on the platform.
In conclusion, Instagram hashtags are a powerful tool for discovering new content, improving visibility, building a community, and increasing engagement. By following best practices and using relevant hashtags, you can take full advantage of this feature and grow your following on Instagram.
